Into The Wilderness (Day 2)
“He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands” series
Have you ever been to the desert? If you haven’t, I can give you some insight: there’s a whole lot of nothing — and then some more nothing!
When we think about the Wilderness that God led the Israelites through in order to reach promised land, we often think of it as desert — which is logical given its geographic region. What are some keywords that come to mind when thinking about a desert? Dry, dehydration, starvation, scorching heat, freezing cold, harsh, dangerous, barren, EMPTY, etc.
Why would God take his people through such a harsh environment? This vast, empty void of nothingness; this barren, harsh, dangerous wilderness.
“When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea.” Exodus 13:17–18
God is always 10 steps ahead — duh, he’s omnipotent. God knew that going into the Wilderness was the best route to the Promised Land, even though it didn’t feel like it to the Israelites. But they didn’t know any better! They’re about 4 generations removed from the time when Jacob (Israel) and his 12 sons lived in the land of Canaan. None of the Israelites could have possibly found their way to the Promised Land on their own. Only God knew the way! How extraordinary was Moses’ faith to trust God in guiding over 600,000 people through the Wilderness.
I look at what’s going on in the world and the fear/uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, and I can’t help but imagine this is what the Israelites felt like walking into the Wilderness. I wonder how often they would ask, “Will we ever get to the other side?”
“See, I am sending an angel before you to protect you on your journey and lead you safely to the place I have prepared for you. Pay close attention to him, and obey his instructions. Do not rebel against him, for he is my representative, and he will not forgive your rebellion. But if you are careful to obey him, following all my instructions, then I will be an enemy to your enemies, and I will oppose those who oppose you.” Exodus 23:20–22
It is so important to let God take control when you feel this way. We need Him to be our GPS to greener pastures — a place of prosperity and good health. He will protect us and lead us — His only ask is that we obey!
What I love about verse 20 there in Exodus 23 is that it’s such a great parallel to how Jesus came to lead us in the same way. Just like the angel God sent ahead of the Israelites to lead them to the Promised Land, God sent Jesus before us to lead us safely to the place He has prepared for us. All we have to do is obey!
And because of their obedience, God provide just enough food daily for every single person. He provided them with water when there was none to be found. He fought for them in battle when they were oppressed by their enemies. And, sure, the Israelites weren’t always obedient — but God, in His perfect grace, was faithful to His covenant with the nation of Israel and led His people to the Promised Land.
“For the Lord your God has blessed you in everything you have done. He has watched your every step through this great wilderness. During these forty years, the Lord your God has been with you, and you have lacked nothing.” Deuteronomy 2:7
Trust God to watch over your every step as you venture into this financial, emotional, spiritual Wilderness. He will bless you in your obedience, always providing just enough to get you through these tough times. When you look back, you will see that where you couldn’t make your own way, God walked ahead; leading and protecting you on your way to a place of peace. His place of peace.
My Prayer Today:
Father God, how awesome is your Love for us?! And who are we, that you would provide for us in our time of need? We ask that you give us the courage to venture into the Wilderness, trusting that you are leading us to where you need us to be. Lord, we ask that the Holy Spirit fill us with wisdom and humility, so that we would be obedient to all of your instructions. Please wrap us in your Love, and protect us from all that lies before us.
